On the morning of January 7, Dr. Reza Ronaghi and his wife, Nasim, departed from their residence in Pacific Palisades, California, simply with the clothes they wore and the duties of their professions on their minds. With Dr. Ronaghi working long hours as a pulmonologist and Nasim as a pediatric dentist, they decided to leave their Havanese dog, Harlow, at daycare for the day, thinking it would be like any other Tuesday.
However, around 1 PM, Ronaghi received a notification on his phone regarding a wildfire encroaching upon their neighborhood, suggesting a possible evacuation. Just an hour later, a more urgent message arrived: “Evacuate now.” He initially planned to return home for some belongings, but after consulting with neighbors, he learned that there was significant traffic exiting the area and they advised him against going back. Instead, Ronaghi found temporary accommodation and contacted the dog sitter. He started tracking updates on the wildfire through an app on his phone.
Although wildfires are a common threat in that region, this one was extraordinarily close to his home. As the evening progressed, Ronaghi’s trust in the app’s information diminished. While the app indicated the fire was at a standstill, news reports described it as spreading rapidly.
The following day, Ronaghi viewed disturbing video footage revealing that Sunset Boulevard and Palisades Village had been devastated, confirming all roads to his home were destroyed. This harsh reality hit home when he later learned that the fire had completely consumed his neighborhood. On their brief return to assess the damage, Ronaghi found their house reduced to ashes. “Everything we owned was gone. Everything. Everything. Everything was charcoal. From the sentimental to the valuable. Even the metal in the appliances had melted. I’ve never seen a fridge melt before. We were in shock,” he recounted.
Concern over what hazardous substances he may have inhaled during their visit weighed heavily on Dr. Ronaghi’s mind. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, smoke from wildfires includes a complex blend of pollutants that can lead to various health issues, from minor irritations of the eyes and respiratory system to more severe conditions, like asthma exacerbation and heart failure. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018 found associations between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms.
Despite some research conducted on health risks associated with wildfire smoke, most findings relate to firefighters who face prolonged exposure during emergencies, unlike those living near such events or only returning occasionally for recovery efforts.
Dr. Ronaghi, who specializes in interventional pulmonology at UCLA Health, shared the precautions he is taking following the devastating fires during a discussion for “The Experts Say,” a segment by the American Heart Association News, which features healthcare professionals applying their expertise to personal experiences. His insights have been modified for clarity.
When considering the long-term health risks posed by wildfires, Ronaghi expressed uncertainty, noting the lack of comprehensive data. “We know that if there’s a lot of smoke in the air from a fire, one should avoid it, especially if they have underlying respiratory issues,” he said. However, exposure to the aftermath of burning homes presents another layer of risk due to the toxic fumes and chemicals released from various materials, including potential asbestos and lead paint.
He advised individuals returning to burned neighborhoods to exercise extreme caution, almost as if entering a biohazard zone. Wearing face masks, such as an N95 or better, is essential, as are protective eyewear and full-body clothing to shield the skin. He suggested wearing gloves durable enough to withstand sharp debris.
With regards to mental health, Dr. Ronaghi emphasized the importance of community support. “My wife and I are fortunate to have family nearby to assist us, and the kindness of friends and colleagues has been incredibly heartening. Without this, the situation would be considerably more challenging,” he noted. Their dog, Harlow, was in daycare during the crisis, which he felt was a blessing in disguise.
Dr. Ronaghi admitted to the lingering shock they both feel and remarked on the psychological implications of such trauma. He highlighted the potential rise of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety among those affected, especially children who had to change schools and adjust to new environments. “Everyone is currently in survival mode, but rebuilding and recovery will be a long process, and it’s vital to utilize available support systems,” he concluded.
